Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: July 8, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Venture Capital & Fundraising

Crypto-focused venture capital firm Paradigm raised $1.2 billion for a new fund expected to target investments beyond digital assets into areas like robotics and artificial intelligence. This expansion reflects a broader trend of VCs looking to diversify their portfolios. In a similar move, solo general partner Ashley Smith of Vermilion Cliffs Ventures launched a $25 million fund, targeting startups in AI and cybersecurity. Meanwhile, AI-native education platform EdVisorly secured $13.3 million in Series A funding to enhance its college transfer process automation. Nvidia has backed voice AI startup Gradium, bringing its seed round to over $100 million, signaling strong corporate interest in the AI sector.

Buyouts & M&A Activity

Tricor Pacific Capital acquired Arctec Alloys Limited, planning to merge it with existing portfolio company Rockmount Research & Alloys to create a significant North American maintenance welding platform. In the automotive aftermarket, River Associates purchased performance parts provider Horsepower Automotive Group. Shore Capital has acquired HR tech firm Thrive Pass. Elsewhere, Recognize made a majority investment in digital infrastructure services firm Smartlink, which operates across all 50 states. Frazier Healthcare agreed to acquire health tech firm Matrix Care from seller Resmed.

Growth Equity & Strategic Investments

CVC Capital is investing in music distribution service Distro Kid, with existing investor Insight Partners retaining a minority stake. Ardian closed a €1 billion deal for HR Path, a business specializing in HR consulting, HRIS implementation, and process outsourcing. Bregal Sagemount has invested in Pandion Optimization Alliance to support its growth, and Sallyport invested in pipeline erosion remediation firm Submar. In the defense sector, Tikehau Capital sees opportunities in electronics and mechanical components, and views asset mergers as crucial for a unified European defense industry Tikehau Capital views asset mergers.

Sector Focus: AI & Technology

The artificial intelligence boom continues to drive significant investment. Temasek aims to increase allocations to AI-focused investments, alongside private credit and infrastructure, by 2031. Amadeus Capital Partners' Anne Glover suggests that AI will transform SaaS providers, potentially making some obsolete. This sentiment is echoed by guest author Itay Sagie, who writes that Saa S metrics are a result, not a strategy, implying that companies must adapt to evolving technological demands SaaS metrics result. The burgeoning AI landscape has seen numerous startups attract attention, with Europe's startup insiders watching 25 specific companies closely in the first half of the year.

Sports & Entertainment Deals

The global spotlight on sports, particularly the World Cup, has intensified private equity interest in soccer deals, with firms like Apollo, KKR, and Avenue Sports making acquisitions in the sector over the past year. Blue Owl Capital for its investment in the Cleveland Cavaliers. Meanwhile, Bruin Capital fetched $530 million for its sports technology company Full Swing.

Impact & Social Investing

L1 Impact is targeting $100 million across four funds with a social impact focus, aiming to allocate capital in the Middle East and India. This aligns with a growing LP interest in ESG considerations.

Investor Insights & Trends

Pension fund Rest is increasing its private markets exposure, with a specific focus on private equity and infrastructure, aiming for a balanced approach. In the secondaries market, buyers' top picks for summer reading and podcasts offer insights into current trends and strategies. LGT suggests that LPs without venture capital allocations may be overexposed to traditional assets, while KKR's Arctos capitalizes on GP illiquidity, and an IPO boom could benefit VC exits LPs without VC allocations. Active investor rankings for the second quarter show familiar names dominating the venture capital space Familiar names top investor. The importance of avoiding complacency in the startup world is highlighted, with boredom identified as a business risk.